7 Days & 6 Nights

4.3

Cycle the Best of the Wild Atlantic Way In Style

Cycle the dramatic and ever-changing coastline of Galway, Connemara, and Mayo
Unwind each night from the comfort of elegant Irish castle hotels and country lodges
Trad music and craft beers in Galway's lively pubs, where the craic never ends
Steamed mussels, garlicky scallops, and aromatic seafood from Ireland's west coast
The remote island of Inishbofin, a sanctuary for seals and other wildlife

Cycle Ireland's rugged west coast during the day, then unwind in style each night from the comfort of your superior accommodation. Enjoy the ease of having private transfers between Galway city and your hotels in Connemara and Mayo, allowing you to make the most of your visit. The quiet trails and narrow roads of Inishbofin make for an exceptional day in the saddle, as you ride between deserted bays with crystal-clear water and emerald-green pastures. Treat your tastebuds to aromatic seafood caught from Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord surrounded by the mountains of Connemara, and wash it down with a warming whisky in one of the welcoming pubs. Simply pick a date and we'll take care of anything else!

From £2,239.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in Galway, private transfer to Clifden

Welcome to the bright and colourful streets of Galway (Gaillimh) a city with a long history and vibrant atmosphere. Its fortified walls were built around 1270 and the ideal location on the coast facilitated huge in wine, fish, and salt with Spain and Portugal. Take a wander along its long promenade towards Galway Bay and explore its creative art scene, lively pubs, and homely cafes.

Why not treat yourself to traditional Irish Coffee before making your way to Clifden? We have organised a private transfer (duration: 1h30m). The lastest transfer time we can provide is 4pm. Clifden is the 'capital' of Connemara, a Victorian-era town with a narrow bay offering dramatic views over the rolling hills.

Overnight Clifden

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel | 4 Star | Hotel

Overlooking the rolling hills of Connemara, the hotel is a 19th-century castle. Complete with a spa, gastronomic restaurant, and extensive gardens, Abbeyglen Castle is located just outside Clifden town. On arrival, guests are offered complimentary afternoon tea on the terrace, with far-reaching views across to the 12 Bens.

Day 2 Cycle to Cleggan, Inishbofin loop ride, return to Clifden 22 miles / 35.5 km

Enjoy an energising breakfast before setting off on a gentle ride to the small fishing village of Cleggan, the gateway to the island of Inishbofin. Catch the ferry (duration: 30m) then follow a circular route exploring this tranquil place. Cycle between pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and narrow lanes beside green pastures with grazing cows.

A sanctuary for seals and other wildlife, Inishbofin has also become a breeding ground for birdlife which include the Corncrake, Arctic Tern, Shags, and Guillemots to name a few. Before hopping on the ferry and riding back to Clifden, enjoy a visit to the Heritage Museum or meet the locals in one of the welcoming pubs.

Ascent/Descent: +231m/-246m

Overnight Clifden

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel | 4 Star | Hotel

Day 3 Cycle to Delphi Lodge near Leenane 42 miles / 67.5 km

Leave Clifden via the Wild Atlantic Way as you head along the coast towards Claddaghduff with wonderful views out to Omey Island. Cycle alongside white sandy bays before heading inland and passing the shores of Lough Ballynakil. You may want to have a small detour (10km) for an optional visit to Kylemore Abbey, a monastery founded in 1920 for Benedictine nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.

One of the highlights today is reaching Ireland's only true fjord, Killary Harbour. Surrounded by the mountains of Connemara, the head of the fjord marks the border between Galway and Mayo.

Spend the evening in Delphi Lodge, a stylish country house set on the 1000-acre Delphi estate just outside Leenane. Unwind after a day in the saddle and treat your tastebuds to Killary Fjord mussels and fresh produce from the area in the restaurant.

Ascent/Descent: +331m/-313m

Overnight Leenane

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Delphi Lodge | 4 Star | Lodge

A charming country house, dating back to the 1830s. Delphi Lodge is only 5km from the village of Leenane. Nestled in a peaceful valley, spend the afternoon relaxing in total tranquillity on the lodges’ 1000-acre grounds. With a cosy bar, you can also enjoy fresh seafood dishes created by the award-winning chef.

Day 4 Cycle to Westport 21 miles / 33.5 km

Ride in the shadow of the impressive Mweelrea Mountains and breathe in the fresh air of this remote part of the world. Soon you’ll arrive in the Doolough Valley, characterised by the dark waters of Doo Lough and its steep surrounding hills, a place that has largely remained untouched. Here you will turn east and ride through the wild landscape of Glenamurra.

From afar you will be able to view the distinct peak of Croagh Patrick, the holy mountain, where St. Patrick is said to have completed 40 days and nights of fasting. Make your way to the Georgian town of Westport on the banks of the Carrowbeg River. Settle into your 4-star hotel and celebrate your arrival with a warming Irish whisky.

Ascent/Descent: +296m/-262m

Overnight Westport

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Knockranny House Hotel & Spa | Hotel

Set on secluded grounds, this family-run hotel overlooks the town of Westport with breathtaking views of Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick. On arrival, enjoy a warming Irish whisky in the bar and later you may like to dine in the widely commended hotel restaurant.

Westport Hotel Plaza | 4 Star | Hotel

A modern hotel with a tradtional twist in the heart of Westport. Complete with gardens, spa, pool the hotel also offers an excellent dining experience in the hotel restaurant. Only a short walk from the Carrowbeg River, unwind in comfort at this 4* hotel.

Day 5 Cycle to Ashford Castle in Cong 36 miles / 57.5 km

Leaving behind the lively streets of Westport you spend today crisscrossing over farmland and rolling hills on your way to the traditional Irish village of Cong. Make sure to pause and take in the views of the Mayo mountains in the distance, and pass the small abbey of 'Burriscarra' before reaching the shores of Lough Carra.

After a short ride through the bustling town of Ballinrobe, you're on the final stretch to the colourful village of Cong, situated on the banks of the river bearing the same name. Cong was the setting for John Wayne's classic film 'The Quiet Man' (1952).

Tonight you will stay at the stylish Ashford Castle, the former home of the Guinness family and Ireland's first 'Forbes Five Star Hotel'. The castle has a rich history and is set on a 350-acre estate with manicured gardens, ancient woodland, and its own lake. Wander around its beautiful setting or treat your tired legs to some pampering in its award-winning Spa.

Ascent/Descent: +408m/-414m

Overnight Cong

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Ashford Castle Hotel & Country Estate | 5 Star | Hotel

A global award-winning 5* hotel, Ashford Castle, is an unforgettable highlight of this tour. Overlooking Lough Corrib, spend the evening in a 13th-century castle set in 350 acres of woodlands. Refurbished to a period of Victorian grandeur, dine in the opulent restaurant, enjoy a Guinness in the oak vaulted bar or take a boat trip out on the water. Enjoy an early morning stroll around the forested trails or relax in the spa and soak up your stay in this exceptional hotel.

Day 6 Transfer to Galway

Have a long lie and enjoy breakfast in the beautiful surroundings of the Ashford Estate. Today the choice is yours; explore the village and woodlands of Cong further before taking your private transfer to Galway or an earlier transfer to make the most of this artistic city. Best explored on foot, many of the traditional pubs still retain their original Gothic features and are certainly the best place to get a feel for the city. Staying in central Galway this evening gives you easy access to all the sights.

Overnight Galway

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

The House Hotel | Hotel

The House Hotel is a 4* boutique hotel in the heart of the Latin Quarter in Galway. All rooms are uniquely designed in a contemporary style with bespoke furnishings.

Day 7 Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 12kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 12kg is equivalent to 5 bunches of flowers (grown in the Netherlands). Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

Reviews

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

This cycling trip is perfect for those looking to cycle sections of the iconic Wild Atlantic Way whilst staying at 4 and 5* castle hotels, country lodges, and boutique accommodations. Ride into the heart of the traditional Irish towns and villages and experience world-famous Irish hospitality in the comfort of your elegant accommodation. If you are looking for a real treat, then look no further!

Trip Type:

In Style | After a day of exciting adventures and soaking up unbeatable scenery, retreat to stylish accommodations and unwind with fine food and wine. This trip type is for those who like sophisticated places to stay and are looking for active routes but still want the holiday to feel special.

Activity:

Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling

Grade & Terrain

This cycling tour is graded moderate. The grade is determined on the basis of the entire trip. Individual days may vary in terms of difficulty, i.e. some rides may be slightly more difficult or easier than the overall grade and the daily routes follow a combination of small country lanes and coastal roads. Please view the itinerary for more details about the daily routes. You will be cycling along sections of the Wild Atlantic Way, which may feel a little busier near towns and villages as it is a popular route for all modes of transport. There are also some fairly narrow roads and parts where traffic may go a little faster. Between Leenane and Westport, the route passes through Glenamurra, which is remote in places with little to no phone signal depending on your network provider. Please be aware of this.

Experience & Fitness

This cycling tour is suitable for relatively fit and regular cyclists seeking an active holiday. You'll spend much of the day in the saddle experiencing a region and discovering its variety. Daily distance varies between 35.5km (22mi) to 67.5km (42mi), and daily total ascent/descent averages around 300m (985ft), with the exception of the ride to Cong from Westport (ascent/descent: +408/-414m or +1339/-1358ft).

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

5 nights in 4* hotels and 1 night in a 5* hotel
6 Breakfasts
Baggage transfers
Private transfer from Galway to Clifden (Day 1)
Private transfer from Cong to Galway (Day 6)
Detailed trip info and mapped tracks, via the Macs App
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office

Excluded

Travel to / from Galway
Bike hire
Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
Ferry journeys
Personal equipment
Travel insurance (required)

Extras

Additional nights along the route
Bike hire
Airport transfers

When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

Please note that this is an unescorted, self-guided bike tour. The distances listed are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, cycle clothing and personal medications, etc.

Equipment

If you have chosen to rent a bike, you will visit the bike rental store when being transferred from Galway to Clifden on Day 1. After being collected in Galway, your transfer will stop at the bike rental store for your bike fitting (around 20-30mins). After your bike fitting, you will continue to Clifden and your bike will follow in a separate transfer. At the end of your trip simply leave the bike locked, with the accessories at the last hotel for collection.

Trek FX hybrid bikes are available to rent. Each bike comes with a rear pannier bag for your personal possessions (unless you have chosen a road bike), a basic repair kit, and a lock. Helmets are included, although your own is likely to be a better fit. Ebikes are also available to hire, as are Trek Road 1 series road bikes.

If you would prefer to bring your own bicycle please ensure it is thoroughly serviced and is an appropriate bike for this tour. If you do intend to bring your own bike, please do let us know at the time of booking as extra transfer arrangements may be required for any large bike cases/boxes.